IPC 267 vs BNS 267
● Retained in BNSSale of counterfeit postage stamps
Section 267 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the sale of counterfeit government postage stamps. This provision targets individuals who knowingly sell fake stamps, thereby committing fraud against the government and compromising the postal system.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone selling, offering for sale, or distributing counterfeit postage stamps.
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Requires knowledge or reasonable belief that the stamps are counterfeit.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: A person selling fake postal stamps in bulk to customers or businesses falls under IPC 267. The section ensures that both manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit stamps are held accountable, maintaining the integrity of postal services and government revenue.
Sale of counterfeit postage stamps
Section 267 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 267. It punishes any individual who sells, offers, or attempts to sell counterfeit government postage stamps with intent to defraud.
Key points:
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Covers both sale and attempt to sell fake postage stamps.
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Knowledge and fraudulent intent are necessary.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine (same as IPC).
Example: A shopkeeper knowingly selling fake postal stamps to the public would be liable under BNS 267. The law ensures protection of postal revenue and prevents fraudulent circulation of counterfeit stamps.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 267 to BNS BNS 267.